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The quest to find places with a unique aura – a centuries-old tradition: St. Saviour's pilgrimage church

The oldest Hosts pilgrimage in Bavaria attracts many pilgrims and takes place to the north-east of Ingolstadt . People have been worshipping St. Saviour for centuries, as attested by the countless votive candles to be found in the chancel of the impressive pilgrimage church. The oldest candle dates back to 1378. Today, the baroque church is a well-known and lively pilgrimage destination with a long tradition.

Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in Naumburg – a stone masterpiece on the Romanesque Route, guarded by Uta

The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, built in the late Romanesque and early Gothic styles, is one of Europe's greatest sacred monuments from the High Middle Ages. Art aficionados and many other visitors flock to the cathedral to see the famous west chancel featuring statues of its twelve founders carved by the Naumburg Master (who also created the choir screen with its relief of the Passion), the leaded windows made by Neo Rauch and many other works of art.

UNESCO World Heritage site, rococo treasure and masterpiece of human creativity: Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Saviour, Wies

Built by the Zimmermann brothers in around 1745, the famous Wieskirche church in the Pfaffenwinkel area of Upper Bavaria is considered one of the finest, most famous rococo buildings in the world. Visitors delight in the skilful interplay of paintings, frescoes, carvings, stucco, light and colours found in the ornate interior of this exceptional cultural monument. more »

Pilgrimage Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers – pilgrimage church and destination for pilgrims in Upper Franconia

The basilica minor, a masterpiece of German baroque sacred architecture designed by Balthasar Neumann, was dedicated to the Fourteen Holy Helpers in the 18th century. It is situated directly on the St. James' Pilgrimage Way next to an ancient Franciscan abbey at the foot of Staffelberg hill. Every year, thousands of pilgrims flock to this place of mercy to ask the Fourteen Holy Helpers for protection.

Maria Gern Pilgrimage Church set against the magnificent Watzmann mountain range

The romantic Maria Gern Church, located in a exposed position north of Berchtesgaden , was an important pilgrimage church around 1600. Its interior is sumptuously decorated with stucco and frescoes showing a cycle from the life of the Virgin Mary. The central feature and attraction for pilgrims is the high altar (1715) with its holy image (1666), which is dressed in 24 different baroque costumes during the year to mark events in the church calendar.

A place of worship full of vitality and with the world's tallest church tower: Ulm Minster

The minster in the city of Ulm, on the banks of the Danube, was built in the Gothic style and its original structure remains intact to this day. Not only does it have the tallest church tower in the world (161.53 metres), but since 1530 it has also been able to accommodate 15,000 people, making it one of the largest Protestant churches in the world. Numerous world-class artworks are on display inside. Anyone wishing to ascend the tower to a height of 142m will have to climb 768 steps.

Collegiate Church of St. Servatius and the Quedlinburg treasury on the Romanesque Route

Dedicated to St. Dionysius and St. Servatius, this church in Quedlinburg on the Romanesque Route is a monument to German High Romanesque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The world-famous treasury offers an insight into medieval history, with exhibits including the reliquaries of St. Servatius and St. Katharine, the Quedlinburg Itala, the Samuhel Gospels, the Otto Adelheid Gospels and the tombs of the first German emperor and empress.

Trier Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a welcome to all

The Cathedral of St Peter in Trier is the oldest episcopal church in Germany and bears witness to 1,700 years of western architectural, art and religious history. Situated on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and Rome, the cathedral has always attracted pilgrims who come to visit the tombs of the former archbishops of Trier and an exquisite relic, the Holy Robe . More on Trier »

St. Michael's Church in Hamburg – a multifaceted landmark of the Hanseatic city

Dedicated to the Archangel Michael, the 'Michel' is located near to the port and is recognisable by its tower topped with a green dome and the largest tower clock of its kind in Germany. It is considered to be one of the finest Nordic, Protestant baroque churches. The 106-metre tower platform affords splendid views across the city and can be reached by climbing more than 450 steps or by taking the lift.

The St. Alexei Russian Memorial Church was built in 1913 in memory of the 22,000 Russian soldiers who fell in the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig . Built in the 16th-century Novgorod style, it was modelled on the Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye. Inside, there is a small museum, 78 icons by the Russian painter Emelyanov, an 18m-high wall of icons and original banners from 1813. The outdoor areas also have a number of interesting features.

A host of 567 heavenly messengers celebrate faith and meaning: Church of the Guardian Angel in Eichstätt

The Church of the Guardian Angel (1617-1620) is one of the earliest Jesuit churches in Germany. This masterpiece of baroque architecture is brought together by its unity of style and the angel themes found throughout the building. Few other churches can boast such a multitude of angels. Appearing in all shapes and sizes, they adorn the walls, alters and pulpit.

Munich Cathedral and Church of Our Lady – one of Germany's largest late-Gothic hall churches

Onion domes, the devil's footprint and a view of the Alps are what make this most famous of Munich landmarks unique. Built in 1494, the Church of Our Lady on Marienplatz square has capacity for 20,000 people. Countless chapels, exquisite art treasures and the striking onion-dome towers standing almost 100 metres in height are what make this beautiful yet simple church so special. Open daily. Guided tours available.

Mosque in the gardens of Schwetzingen Palace – straight out of a story from the Arabian Nights

Schwetzingen Mosque, the only 18th-century garden mosque still in existence in Europe, is an idyll of oriental style set in the gardens of Schwetzingen Palace . Extravagant and imposing mosaic floors, oriental paintings and gold decoration combine to make walking through the cloister-like colonnades, with their interplay of light and shadow, a delight.

UNESCO World Heritage and city landmark: Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary in Cologne

Cologne Cathedral, the third tallest cathedral in the world, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the most magnificent buildings in Christendom. It houses a vast wealth of artworks, a treasure chamber and the golden shrine of the Three Wise Men. During opening hours, visitors can climb almost 400 steps to reach the top of the south tower. Guided tours available. more »

Freiburg Minster of Our Lady – for church-goers and the culturally minded

A masterpiece of medieval architecture and art, the minster with its distinctive tower is a testimony to the people's faith. Visitors who climb the 300 steps can admire the sentry room, the ringing of the bells and the clock mechanism. But there are also fascinating sights at ground level, including a high-Gothic frieze of figures and brightly coloured stained glass windows.

A symbol of peace and reconciliation, Dresden's famous landmark is one of the most splendid examples of sacred architecture in Europe. The church is open to anyone wishing to come and admire its magnificent interior, which visitors can explore by themselves or as part of a guided tour. Everyone is also welcome to attend the church services, church music events and high-quality concerts.

Imperial Cathedral of St. Mary in Speyer – a significant ecclesiastical building symbolising medieval imperial power

The Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Stephen, built under the Salian Emperor Conrad II in around 1030 and laid out in the form of a Latin cross, has witnessed many important moments in European history. Considered to have the most beautiful hall crypt in the world, the last resting place of emperors and kings, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest surviving Romanesque churches in western Christianity. more »

One of the oldest and grandest churches in the Hanseatic City: St. Peter's Cathedral

The cathedral is the largest church in Bremen and one of the city's main landmarks. Particularly striking are the oldest sections of the building, the west and east crypts, and its famous organs. The cloister, which includes a bible garden, provides an oasis of calm. Another point of interest is the lead cellar containing mummies in open coffins, while the exhibits in the cathedral museum include finds from medieval bishops' graves.

A Protestant counterpart to St. Peter's Basilica on Berlin Museum Island: Berlin Cathedral

Impressive Renaissance architecture, four mighty corner towers and a 75m-high dome – Berlin Cathedral is one of the most important Protestant churches in Germany. It contains the largest surviving organ from the late Romanesque period. Particularly worth seeing are the emperor's box, the magnificent tombs of the Hohenzollern dynasty and the beautifully decorated altar.

Basilica of St. Martin and Oswald in Upper Swabia – a place of breathtaking beauty where Heaven and Earth meet

The basilica on Martinsberg hill is one of the largest baroque sacred buildings in Germany. Inside, the glorious sound of the Gabler organ reverberates through the basilica with its stucco décor. Ornate frescoes, a depiction of Heaven and a sense of eternity are the defining characteristics of this impressive masterpiece. One of Europe's largest mounted processions comes to worship the Holy Blood relic stored here.

One of the oldest, most significant monasteries of the Benedictine Order in Bavaria was built at the place where the martyr St. Emmeram of Regensburg was buried. Like many southern Bavarian churches, this masterpiece was designed by the Asam brothers. Today the triple-naved basilica with its high altar and tombs of other saints is a parish church and popular destination for pilgrims.

Fascinating World Cultural Heritage: Cathedral of St. Peter and St. George in Bamberg

This legacy of Emperor Henry II is one of the great German imperial cathedrals of the Middle Ages. Dedicated in 1237, the cathedral with its four towers is a testimony to late Romanesque and early Gothic architecture and sits in majestic splendour above the town. The basilica minor is just as impressive on the inside, with sights of interest including the Bamberg Rider, an imperial tomb, the tomb of Pope Clemens II and art treasures. more »

The current church served as the church for the Cistercian abbey in Bad Doberan until the middle of the 16th century. It is one of the finest high Gothic brick buildings in Mecklenburg and has a wealth of original medieval artworks and many different tombs. The minster is at its best in the evenings when the sun shines through the west window and bathes it in a very special light.

For over 1,200 years believers and pilgrims have flocked to this magnificent example of religious architecture to attend church services, celebrate the liturgy, pray and listen to sacred music. The cathedral is also known for its golden shrine to Charlemagne and its magnificent cathedral treasures. more »

St. Anne's Church in Annaberg-Buchholz – an architectural masterpiece and home of the miners' Nativity scene

Dedicated to St. Anne, this late-Gothic hall church was completed in 1525 and is the town's most famous landmark. It is known as the miners' cathedral. Everyone is welcome to visit its magnificent interior, whose features include exquisite art treasures, paintings, stone carvings, the main altar dating back to 1522, the miners' altar, the Walcker organ of 1884, the slightly older bronze bell, the beautiful door and much more.

The Cathedral of St. Peter in Regensburg – theology expressed in stone

The finest example of Gothic architecture in Bavaria and spiritual heart of the Regensburg diocese, the Cathedral of St. Peter majestically dominates the old town with its towers which rise to a height of over 100 metres. The cathedral, Stone Bridge and old quarter have been awarded World Heritage status. It is not only the resting place of many eminent bishops but also home to a prestigious cathedral choir: the famous Regensburger Domspatzen boys' choir. more »